So, you’ve just welcomed a furry tornado of fluff and zoomies into your life – congratulations!
Puppies are undeniably adorable, but they can also be little, smelly bundles of chaos. Not only that, but the first 18 months of a puppy’s life are crucial. This is when they’re soaking up information like a sponge, learning about the world around them, and developing habits that will last a lifetime.
This handy puppy care guide will serve as your paw-some resource for navigating puppyhood with confidence and ensuring your furry friend thrives for many years to come.
DOGS ARE FAMILY AND FAMILY IS EVERYTHING, and that means giving your new pup the love, care, and training they need to blossom into a well-adjusted, happy dog.
Here’s what we’re going to cover in this puppy care guide:
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming – for you and your puppy. Here are some essential steps to ensure a smooth transition:
Puppies are curious creatures with a knack for finding trouble. Get down on their level and explore your home from their perspective. Hide electrical cords, secure loose objects, and put away anything you don’t want chewed and/or choked on.
Puppies thrive on routine. Set consistent times for meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime. This will help them feel secure and learn to regulate their bladder and bowels.
Before your pup arrives, make sure you have all the supplies you need, including a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, a leash and collar, puppy food, chew toys, and puppy pads.
Of course, the most important thing of all when taking care of a new puppy is ensuring they are perfectly healthy. Here are some puppy health tips, for your convenience:
Within the first few days of bringing your puppy home, you must schedule a check-up with your veterinarian. This will allow them to assess your pup's overall health and discuss vaccination schedules.
Puppies are susceptible to worms and parasites. Make sure to follow your vet's recommendations for deworming and parasite prevention medication.
Feed your puppy a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for their age and breed. It may be tempting, but you should avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can upset their stomach.
Training your puppy is an ongoing process, but it’s important to start early with some essential commands. Here is some key puppy training advice:
This is a foundational command that helps with overall control and impulse management.
Teaching your puppy to stay put is crucial for safety and preventing unwanted behaviour.
A reliable recall can be a lifesaver, especially when your pup is off-leash.
Walking nicely on a leash is essential for enjoyable walks and outings.
This command helps prevent your pup from picking up and ingesting potentially harmful objects.
Socialisation is the process of exposing your puppy to new people, animals, sights, and sounds. This is crucial for developing confidence and preventing fear-based behaviours later in life. Here’s how to socialise your pup:
Schedule playdates with other vaccinated puppies. This allows them to learn proper dog etiquette through play.
Enrol your pup in puppy training classes. This provides a structured environment for learning commands while socialising with other dogs.
Take your puppy on outings to dog-friendly places like parks and cafes. This exposes them to new sights and smells in a controlled environment.
A healthy diet is essential for your puppy’s growth and development. Consult your veterinarian to choose a high-quality puppy food that meets their specific needs. Remember, puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, so be mindful!
As mentioned earlier, puppy-proofing your home is crucial. Here are some additional tips:
Ensure gates and crates are properly secured to prevent escapes and accidents.
WARNING!
Many common houseplants are toxic to dogs! As such, you must research any plants you have and remove them from reach if necessary – or indeed get rid of them entirely so as not to tempt fate (the plant, not the puppy, of course).
Use baby gates to block off areas that are not puppy-proofed or where you simply don’t want them to go.
Vaccinations are essential for protecting your puppy from serious diseases. Here’s a general timeline for essential puppy vaccinations:
This is merely a general guideline, and vaccination schedules may vary depending on your location and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Puppies can’t tell us when they’re feeling under the weather, so it’s important to be aware of the potential signs of illness. Here are some things to keep a close eye on:
If your puppy suddenly loses their interest in food, it could be a sign of illness. After all, puppies LOVE eating!
Unusual tiredness or a lack of energy can be a red flag – especially in young dogs who are otherwise bursting with energy.
Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea can happen, but persistent issues could indicate a bigger problem.
These could be signs of respiratory infection.
A healthy puppy's temperature should be around 38-39 degrees Celsius. Keep an eye on their temperature with periodic checks, especially in the early days.
If your puppy seems withdrawn, anxious, or in pain, it's best to consult your vet immediately.
Remember, if you’re ever concerned about your puppy’s health, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Puppies have boundless energy, and keeping them entertained and exercised can be a challenge for busy pet parents. The good news? Ooohh Yeah Dog Care offers a safe and stimulating environment for your furry friend to play, socialise, and learn while you’re away.
Our experienced and caring staff will provide your puppy with all the love, attention, and exercise they need while you’re at work, running errands, or enjoying a much-needed vacation.
Enrolling your puppy in doggy daycare can offer a number of benefits, including:
Doggy daycare provides opportunities for your puppy to interact with other dogs in a safe and supervised setting.
Our doggy daycare centres are equipped with plenty of space for zooming, jumping, and playing.
Interactive toys and games keep your puppy’s mind sharp and prevent boredom.
Our staff provides regular potty breaks and ensures your puppy is safe and happy throughout the day.
Bringing your puppy to doggy daycare can be a win-win situation for both you and your pup. It allows you to focus on your day while knowing your furry friend is in safe hands. We also offer a number of other pawesome services, including dog grooming – to keep your pampered pup looking fresh as a daisy.
Congratulations on welcoming your new furry family member! We hope this puppy care guide has equipped you with all the knowledge and resources you need to raise a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog.
Remember, when training a new puppy, patience, consistency, and lots of love are key to a successful puppyhood.
And if you ever have questions or need a helping paw, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ooohh Yeah Dog Care – we’re always here for you and your pup!
Additional Services/Fees
Please Note *Prices are subject to change and should be used as a guide only*
Nail trims requiring 2 staff: $25
Please note we reserve the right to refuse service if deemed unsafe to the groomer or dog. We reserve the right to charge for the work that is completed
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